Tesla Motors. Anyone test driven one yet?

[SirBrass]

So, on a lark, I went to Tesla's website and signed up for a test drive. Apparently they schedule these things out. hell, even ordering one is apparently a custom process. I hope this means they'll let me be somewhat "aggressive" in my test drive, since most of their sales I think aren't showroom sales, but "built to order." No worries about a test driver beating the piss out of a car they hope to sell later (I hope).

Anyways, looking forward to it. No, I'm not in the market. The car is simply too expensive right now ($68k-$77k? Ouch!), and they're still in the process of getting the "outside the home" recharging infrastructure up and running. Maybe down the road 10 years a Tesla car might make for a great family car, but I'm still keeping the BRZ.

I expect it to lose power in the top-end, which is a bummer, and probably why I think ICE (internal combustion engines) will dominate for the foreseeable future in everything except econoboxes. Top-end power is still needed, even if you want to enhance low and mid-end power. Lose the top-end and the others don't really make sense unless you're dedicated to cone dodging (autoX).

Still, I think the Model S looks like a good car, and the technology is absolutely fascinating. I'm also looking forward to "instant torque" feels like without the sound of an engine to key me into where the car is at.

So, anyone else here eyeing these cars a bit?

[chrisl]

I've considered a test drive for a while - I think I'll probably do one this summer. A couple of coworkers have them, and they absolutely love them. It looks like a fascinating vehicle, and I definitely want to give it a try. Also, while you're at the Tesla store, take a look in the front trunk - they have an absolutely phenomenal amount of storage space for a car their size, due to the lack of an engine.

As for top end power? I wouldn't think you would find it lacking, except maybe above 85-90mph, but that's just a guess (I've never driven one). My biggest concern would be the weight - they're awfully heavy. They do have a nice low CG though, so maybe that helps make up for it a bit...

[dem00n]

The biggest misconception with the Telsa S is that they're very fast, yes...one out of three models are.

There's three models to choose from with the S.

The 60 kWh (302HP), 85 kWh ( 362 or 412 hp). The P85 is the fast one, 4.2 0-60 time.

I had a very small stint in one, too compare to it to my dads A7, the Tesla feels like it's size and it feels heavy, the A7 doesn't feel like it's size. But at the same time, they both aren't cars meant for handling, i like the A7 more because i'm an Audi fanboy and well...dat ass. The ride for comfort is better in the Tesla, i don't find the car to be engaging at all to be frank. That's the point of a luxury car...

But if you're a tech guy, then the Tesla is your baby. Still a great car, i'm just not a big luxury guy.

Do be reminded, the charge for electric cars is extremely crippled in cold and hot temperatures.

[chrisl]

Even the "slow" models of the Model S aren't that slow - 302hp is hardly inadequate for a midsize to largeish sedan.

[Re~Mix]

Originally Posted by SirBrass

I expect it to lose power in the top-end, which is a bummer, and probably why I think ICE (internal combustion engines) will dominate for the foreseeable future in everything except econoboxes. Top-end power is still needed, even if you want to enhance low and mid-end power.

You do know how electric motors work right? Tesla's don't lose power or torque as much as a conventional car. Acceleration is nearly identical from 30-60 as it is 60-90.

[CSG Mike]

I have, both on the street and on track.

Think the car is slow? In stock form, it beats a stock FRS around buttonwillow.

V8 Mustangs will regret trying to drag race a Tesla too.

[tbertran]

I was lucky enough to test drive the Model S P85 through an event at a local insurance agent. The guy let me drive it "very" spiritedly for 20 minutes and, damn, that thing moves...
I "drag raced" it from a red light against the standard Model S and it left it in the dust, not even funny...
The thing that most impressed me was being slammed deep into my seat while the car remained perfectly silent.

[chrisl]

Originally Posted by Re~Mix

You do know how electric motors work right? Tesla's don't lose power or torque as much as a conventional car. Acceleration is nearly identical from 30-60 as it is 60-90.

Actually, electric motors tend to have a linear torque curve, with maximum torque at zero rpm, and zero torque at max rpm (due to back emf). Peak power is at half speed. This is admittedly assuming that the controller and batteries can supply the needed current - in reality, you'll usually see the torque flatten out at low rpm, since the controller limits the supplied current. You'll almost definitely not see a 60-90 acceleration that's as fast as the 30-60 though, since by the time you're doing 60, you're almost definitely in the downward sloping part of the motors torque curve.

[Re~Mix]

Originally Posted by chrisl

Actually, electric motors tend to have a linear torque curve, with maximum torque at zero rpm, and zero torque at max rpm (due to back emf). Peak power is at half speed. This is admittedly assuming that the controller and batteries can supply the needed current - in reality, you'll usually see the torque flatten it at low rpm, since the controller limits the supplied current. You'll almost definitely not see a 60-90 acceleration that's as fast as the 30-60 though, since by the time you're doing 60, you're almost definitely in the downward sloping part of the motors torque curve.

You definitely refreshed my brain there, I think I was confusing efficiency with power/torque. I did dig up some old Tesla roadster graphs though!

[jebuwh]

I happen to be lucky enough to have a father who owns one. My grandpa invested in Tesla early on, and got a Roadster, then they went in together and bought the P85 Model S.

The car is ridiculous fast. and just plain awesome to drive. He lterally drives the thing everyday.

Just for fun we calculated the cost of driving the Telsa vs his work truck Duramax diesel... right around $700 to drive it 20,000 miles. That is tires, charging, all that.
The truck calculated out to like $9000 dollars. mind blowing.

If you are around Southern California he would be more than happy to take anyone on a ride. He loves showing it to people haha.

[KelvinBRZ]

Originally Posted by jebuwh

I happen to be lucky enough to have a father who owns one. My grandpa invested in Tesla early on, and got a Roadster, then they went in together and bought the P85 Model S.

The car is ridiculous fast. and just plain awesome to drive. He lterally drives the thing everyday.

Just for fun we calculated the cost of driving the Telsa vs his work truck Duramax diesel... right around $700 to drive it 20,000 miles. That is tires, charging, all that.
The truck calculated out to like $9000 dollars. mind blowing.

If you are around Southern California he would be more than happy to take anyone on a ride. He loves showing it to people haha.

Where do I sign up?!

The Model S is one of my dream cars, I have sat in one at a store, but I've never sat in one while it was moving. I'll own one someday...

[jebuwh]

Originally Posted by KelvinBRZ

Where do I sign up?!

The Model S is one of my dream cars, I have sat in one at a store, but I've never sat in one while it was moving. I'll own one someday...

Haha are you coming to the meet on Saturday at gmr? He might be bringing the car then!

[ZionsWrath]

Originally Posted by jebuwh

I happen to be lucky enough to have a father who owns one. My grandpa invested in Tesla early on, and got a Roadster, then they went in together and bought the P85 Model S.

The car is ridiculous fast. and just plain awesome to drive. He lterally drives the thing everyday.

Just for fun we calculated the cost of driving the Telsa vs his work truck Duramax diesel... right around $700 to drive it 20,000 miles. That is tires, charging, all that.
The truck calculated out to like $9000 dollars. mind blowing.

If you are around Southern California he would be more than happy to take anyone on a ride. He loves showing it to people haha.

If he can replace his work truck with a Tesla, why isn't his work car a camry instead lol

I researched them a bit and think they are very cool. Just not what I want in a car right now. Maybe if I was older or had a family, but right now I want a car I can drive on the street and take to the track

[BlueDubbinTDI]

It's my dream daily driver. Not my dream car though. Mainly because I wouldn't mod it. And where the fun in that